Types of Woodland Management
Coppicing
A long-standing method of managing woodland is coppicing. On a regular cycle, trees are chopped down near the ground. They produce thick stands of multi-stemmed trees by regrowing from latent buds at the stump’s base, also referred to as the stool. Rather than cutting more mature, thicker branches, the young stems grow back faster to provide a sustainable supply of lumber. Oaks, sweet chestnuts, willows, lime, maple and hornbeam are common species that are treated with coppice methods as a form of woodland management.
With the help of the Tree Doctors, we can assist in coppicing methods as managing woodland is a big job and requires the skills and equipment of an arborist.
Pollarding
The practice of regularly pruning off higher branches to promote the development of thick foliage at the top of the tree is known as pollarding. The chopped branches may be utilised to make coppice items like as construction materials and fuel. Traditionally, pollarded branches were fed to animals. By doing this, you may enhance the amount of light in the woods, benefit the ground flora, and boost its productivity for grazing. Willows, ash, beech as well as lime, and hornbeam are a few species that benefit from this method. Managing woodland spaces or even residential trees with this method is a common practice that encourages the health of trees as well as the maintenance of roads, gardens, woodlands and agricultural spaces.
The Tree Doctors are available for Commercial or Homeowner jobs that involve this method of tree maintenance.
Formative Pruning
The care of young trees to control their shape as they grow is known as formative pruning. Depending on the type of tree and your goals, different forms and pruning techniques are required. The longest, straightest, branch-free stems are found on the most valued wood trees. Native species like alder, ash, lime, plane and rowan are traditionally pruned.
The springtime is the prime time to prune your trees and this can be done to improve their shape or reduce the growth so that gardens don’t become overgrown and receive enough light and air. But formative pruning will also encourage healthier growth. Managing woodland with these methods may be beneficial but specialist equipment will be required as secateurs may be a slower longer method.
Thinning
The process of removing certain trees or tree components from a wood is called thinning. The trees start to compete with one another for nutrients, light, and space when they get to be 10 to 15 years old, and their development slows. To promote a more varied forest structure and assist in future-proofing the environment, it is important to thin out the best trees to ensure that they grow at the fastest rate possible. It is also possible to clear out conifer species from plantations in old forest areas gradually, which would raise light levels gradually and allow native plants that are sensitive to naturally regenerate. It’s important to do this out of bird nesting season, as removing multiple trees within woodland spaces could have a big impact on the wildlife it inhabits.
Other Benefits of Managing Woodland
Well-managed woodland contribute to the conservation of biodiversity by providing diverse habitats for various plant and animal species. Proper management practices help maintain a balanced ecosystem, supporting the survival of different flora and fauna. Managing woodland will also involve identifying and addressing issues with disease, pests and invasive species.
Contact The Tree Doctors For Managing Woodlands
Give us a call today to ask about our commercial services and woodland management. We cover the West Midlands and are skilled in all tree surgeons and arborist areas. We use all our own equipment and are efficient in our completing of tasks. Give us a call today!
